St. Kevin's at Glendalogh, the Wicklow mountains and an Irish Pub, Johnnie Foxes

It was in incredible day. The Walsh family is so gracious and are the perfect hosts. They drove us to Glendalough (Glenda-lock), the glen of the two lakes where St. Kevin founded a monastic immunity in the 7th century.

St. Kevin's Monastery at Glendalough

It was amazing to be there.  I felt quite peaceful even though there were a lot of people there, it was like they weren't.  I could only imagine the monks praying in this community.  Getting water from the river, going into the tower when they were attacked.

St. Kevin's Church at Glendalough

Here were with Joe, Nadine, Lizzie and  one of the girls who Lizzie watches and her mother.

Close up of St. Kevin's Kitchen

It is interesting to see how this was built.

Kevin, came from one of the ruling families in Leinster, studied as a boy under the care of three holy men,  Eoghan, Lochan, and Eanna. During this time, he went to Glendalough. He was to return later, with a small group of monks to found a monastery'. Kevin's writings discuss his fighting "knights" at Glendalough; scholars today believe this refers to his process of self-examination and his personal temptations. His fame as a holy man spread and he attracted numerous followers. He died in about 618.

For 600 years Glendalough flourished and the abbots that followed him were recorded.

British troops partially destroyed this settlement in 1398.

Graves at Glendalough

Graves at Glendalough - very old grave in lower right corner

The upper lake. I thought about how the monastics must have used the lake 1400 years ago. Some icons, crosses and prayer ropes were blessed on the buildings.

The graves were quite old. Some as new as 2005. Mrs. Walsh said that most like the family had rights that way back.

Lots of people came today as the weather was incredible.

We had some food at a pub. Quite nice. People are really friendly and warm here. Just start talking with you.

The pub we ate at was the Coach House up in the Wicklow mountains away from Dublin City.

The Wicklow mountain are covered with heather. Not so purple now for some reason, but will turn later.

The Guinness family lives in the White House that looks small next to this blackish lake. They say it looks like a 'pint of Guinness.'

We went to Johnny Fox's a pub that was like walking into a movie. It is where the locals go. The Walsh family has been so good to us these past two days taking us to these wonderful places. The video should give you a little of what we experienced today.

Powerscourt Estate - Enniskerry, Ireland

We did a lot of things today. The Walsh Family's hospitality is over the top.

We had a wonderful "Full Irish Breakfast" sausages, bacon, eggs, brown bread, orange rolls, baked beans, tea, cream and butter. They offered me Norwegian smoked salmon as well. We altered the fast to accept their hard work and generosity.

The brown bread has ingredients that some of which I haven't heard--"treacle." Is is a kind of soda bread that rises without yeast.

Anna's parents have an orchard in Poland, where they raise many things, some of which are honey and raspberries. The honey was great with everything and she made smoothies. This was all topped off with coffee.

Mr. Walsh took us on an outing giving a wonderful tour of the area.
We first went to an estate called, Powerscourt in a little village called, Enneskerrry. Is a large estate.

Then the sun came out and warmed the place up.

Joe and Lizzie are in the oriental garden at Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Ireland

Lizzie and Joe are having a good time reconnecting. Joe has been kind of lonesome without his sister. He has been outnumbered by parents. Lizzie got quite a surprise to see how much Joe has grown.

Sugar Loaf Mountain view from Powerscourt Estate

I have many more to post, but will need to sleep. Tomorrow is a place called Glendalough where St. Kevin built a monastic community through God's grace.

We each got a different drink and sat on the terrace and looked over the lawn.  It was like we were rich people.

Add caption

Will post some more later.

Irish Pubs - Friday Night

Lizzie was so excited to go out, we went out for a short while, Lizzie, Joe and I. Nadine needed to catch up on sleep. Joe and I were the crazy ones.

Lizzie bought us a treat at Starbucks.

Me at the famous Temple Bar- didn't go into anyone place, but just listened to the music from outside.

We are here!

After after boarding the plane at 1:15am in Philly, we were exhausted. Woke up (it is a stretch to say woke) but we had a nice dinner at 3am on the plane . Arrived in Dublin at noon their time 7 hours difference. We then caught an Air Coach with wifi to the LUAS which is a train system. Bought week tickets out of a machine 70 euros caught the bus and met Lizzie at the stop. What a greeting it was after 6 months. It was pouring and cold, so none of us shed tears. She had her two charges, Maya and Lily and their playmate, Nina. They waited in a near the bus stop where we moved up to the street. So we waited separately for about 15 minutes. Funny.

We are safe in the comfort of the Walsh home with a warm soda bread, smoked salmon and cream cheese with a cup of tea.

It is so good for us all to be together.

Erik

A Lesson in Patience

Well, we have been delayed 7 hours so far in Philadelphia. Joe got a Rocky shirt. With the original 4 hour layover we were going to run out of the airport run up the steps where Rocky ran up, swing our arms in the air, run back to the airport, run through security. Ha! We didn't do it thinking we didn't have enough time. We might do it on the way back. A train runs 20 minutes to all the historical site, Declaration of Independence, Liberty bello....This is not a complaint, but just to let you know that things are delayed and were are learning to take it it stride. We got up at 3:30am. I wa tired at 12:45am until I thought in Pacific Standard Time. I felt better. Things happen by God's Providence. It is kind of funny by now. They told us we are getting a new plane. We think they are building it.

We expect to be seeing Lizzie sometime soon. We will keep you posted.

Erik

Getting Ready

Joe and I made these in anticipation of our trip to Ireland

It is quite something for us to be going to Ireland.  Years of looking at pictures of Ireland, dreaming of the mythical land and celebrating St. Patrick's day is coming to fruition.  Who would have thought?!  I guess it was God's will for us to go visit our daughter and for that we are truly thankful for this gift.  We will try to make the most of our time there visiting Lizzie, taking photos, visiting sites and taking more photos.  This blog is there for you to get a glimpse of what we are experiencing day to day.  I will update a lot later when I come back.  Go ahead and subscribe and you will receive an email notification that we have posted something.  Take care and we love you all.  Erik